HARRY Potter fans are flocking to an Edinburgh grave - because they believe it is the last resting place of evil wizard Lord Voldermort.

Dozens of tributes have been left at the 19th century grave in the famous Greyfriars Kirkyard, which carried the name of Thomas Riddell - the Dark Lord's true name.

Riddell died in 1806 aged 72, but his name is believed to have inspired Harry Potter author J K Rowling, who picked up identities for a string of characters from Edinburgh's streets, landmarks and graveyards.

Voldemort - played by Ralph Fiennes in the Harry Potter series - was born Tom Marvolo Riddle.

The grave bearing his name is now a magnet for follwers of the Potter books and films, with dozens leaving notes next to the headstone

But Edinburgh University students, Richard Duffy and Will Naameh, who run The Potter Trail through city spots connected to the texts, say people may be getting in a "muggle" between fact and fiction.

Will, 21, said: "This recent trend to leave notes and such has been building up over the past month.

Thomas Riddle's grave in Edinburgh has become a shrine for Harry Potter fans (MEN)

J K Rowling has previously said that the tombstone of Thomas Riddell in the famous Kirkyard may have subconsciously been the inspiration for Voldemort's true name.

"The fact and the fiction have become a little blurred - on the tour we do state that 'This is Voldemort's grave' but most people understand he is just an inspiration."

Thomas Riddle's grave states that he was from Befsborough in Berwick and died in Edinburgh on 24 November 1806, aged 72. It also commemorates his son, also Thomas, who was Captain of the 14th Regiment and died at Trinidad in the West Indies on 12 September 1802, aged just 26; and his daughters Christian and Maira Jane who died aged 31 and 47.

Voldemort first appeared in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which was released in 1997.

J K Rowling has previously said that the tombstone of Thomas Riddell Esquire in the famous Kirkyard may have subconsciously been the inspiration for Voldemort's true name.

The nearby gravestone of poet William 'Topaz' McGonagall is also said to have offered inspiration for the name of Professor McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor house at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry.

One note on the grave says: "RIP Tom, thank you for making us all believe in magic. You are an inspiration."

But another sneers: "Dear idiots, you know there's a difference between fiction and reality, right?"